
aass_JlJ!J^ 



Book. 




VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES. 

^^^ in 

Resources and Advantages 



OF 



LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA, 



Al^D 



TRIBUTARY COUNTRY. 



Prepared and Published by order of the City Council of Lynchburg. 



LYNCHBURG: 
TROINIAN JOB OFFICE PEINT, 149 MAIN STREET. 

18 7 2. 



^•vlV 



V 
ALIENS MAY HOLD REAL ESTATE 

IN VIRGINIA. 

^ nsr ^ c T , 

To amend the first Section of Chapter One Hundred and 
Fifteen of the Code of Virginia, Edition of Eighteen 
Jlundred and Sixty, and to repeal Sections tico, three, 
four, five, six, and seven of said Chapter in relation to 
Aliens. Passed February \Qth, 1867. 

1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of V-irginia, 
That Section first of Chapter One hundi-ed and fifteen of the 
C( )de of Virginia, Edition of Eighteen hnndi'ed and sixty, be 
amended and re-enacted so as to read as follows : 

" §1. Any Alien, not an enemy, may acquire, by purchase 
or descent, and hold real estate in this State, and the same 
shall be transmitted in the same manner as real estate held by 
Citizens." 

2. Be it further enacted. That Sections two, three, four, 
five, six, and seven of Chapter One hundred and fifteen of the 
Code of Virgmia, Edition of Eighteen hundred and sixty, are 
hereby repealed. 

3. This Act shall be in force fi-om its passage. 

A Copy fi'om the Rolls, — 
Teste, 

J. BELL BIGGER, 

C. H.D&K. of B., of Va. 



AUG 22 mo 



"^ 



a 



OF THE 



RESOURCES AND ADVANTAGES 



o r 



LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA. 



PREPARED AND PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL 
OF LYNCHBURG. 



LYNCHBURG. 



Lynchburg is. situated on the south bank of the James 
river, near the centre of the Piedmont District, and of the 
-State. It is about twenty miles from the base of the Blue 
Ridge Mountains, one hundred and twenty miles above the 
head of tide-water at Richmond, and about two hundred miles 
-from the Chesapeake Bay at Norfolk. 

The city is built upon a number of bold hills, which give 
it a highly picturesque appearance. It is abundantly supplied 
with water by a reservoir on a hill overlooking the city, and 
by numerous bold springs of pure soft water. Pure water is 
easily procured by wells of moderate depth. 

The geographical position of Lynchburg is such as to give 
it extraordinary manufacturing and commercial advantages. 
The great railroad lines from North to South and East to West 
must cross each other here. The Southern Pacific and the 
•Central Pacific Railroads must pass through Lynchburg in 
order to reach the waters of the Atlantic over the shortest 
route and by the lowest grade. The great Trans- Continental 
Water Line can find no other route than that of the James River 
Valley. 

With a water-power capable of being utilized to any re- 
<quired extent ; with a contiguous country affording inexhaust- 
able supplies of mineral, forest and agricultural productions ; 
with an abundance of the best coal, cheaper than can be had 
at any other city on the Atlantic seaboard, it is not extrava- 



gant to anticipate a large increase of trade and manufactures, 
and a consequent growth in wealth and population. 
The present population is about 12,000. 

CLIMATE. 

The topography of the city and surrounding country, its 
elevation above the sea, (about 800 feet,) and the purity of the 
atmosphere, make this climate singularly healthy, and espe- 
cially beneficial to invalids suffering from debility or pulmon- 
ary disease. There are no marshes or stagnant waters, and 
the country is free from malarial fevers. The winters are 
short, lasting usually not more than three months, (December, 
January and February,) and are generally dry and pleasant. 
Snow seldom lies on the ground longer than a few days, and 
there is but little interruption to agricultural labours during the 
entire winter. The heat of summer, which is never extreme, 
is tempered by the cooling southwest breezes, as well as by 
the winds from the neighbouring mountains. The nights are 
always pleasant and refreshing. During the summer months, 
near the eastern base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there are 
more frequent showers than in any other part of Eastern Vir- 
ginia. The reason for this is to be found in the fact that the 
prevailing wind at this season is a sea breeze, by which the 
moisture, driven against this mountain barrier, (4,000 feet 
above the level of the sea,) meets with a colder stratum of air, 
is condensed, and produces the summer showers which refresh 
and invigorate the growing crops, while in the remoter sec- 
tions the ground is parched and dry. 

The following table, taken from the Meteorological Report 
of the U. S. Department of Agriculture for 1870, shows the 
extremes of heat and cold and the average temperature at Lynch- 
burg, Va., during each month of that year, with the rain fall 
for the same period : 



Month. 


Highest 
Temper- 
ature. 

o 

66 
55 
64 
83 
83 
90 
91 
90 
82 
76 
68 
63 


Lowest 
Temper- 
ature. 



18 
17 
30 
89 
48 
58 
66 
64 
53 
44 
31 
9 


Average 
Temper- 
ature. 


Rain Fall. 


January 


o 

44.8 
40.4 
44.3 
55.9 
66.6 
73.4 
78.5 
76.3 
69.8 
60.5 
49.3 
38.1 


3.70 inch. 


February 


3.36 " 


March 


3.10 " 


April '. 


4.68 " 


May 


5.09 " 


June 


5.51 " 


July 


3.35 " 


August 


3.45 " 


September 


6.14 ♦' 


October 


2.83 '• 


November 


1,61 " 


December 


3.01 " 






.-. ': 











The seasons in Virginia are not divided into wet and dry, 
but we have winter and summer, spring and autumn, with 
fruitful showers at all seasons. The annual rain fall is between 
forty and fifty inches, and corresponds to that of France, Eng- 
land and Germany, with more sunshine than either of these, 
and a climate altogether as agreeable and healthy. The heat 
of July and August, (the warmest months,) is not equal to 
that experienced in Canada during those two months by several 
degrees. 

Although Europeans have been taught, and many believe 
that the climate of Virginia is deadly to the white man, the 
official returns of the U. S. Census show that the annual 
death rate for Virginia is one out of every seventy-one inhab- 
itants, while for England and France it is one out of every 
forty-four, and for Prussia one out of every thirty-six. Thus 
it appears that Virginia is far more healthy than England, 
France or Prussia. *Oat of every one thousand deaths, one 
hundred in Minnesota are of fever, but only seventy-seven in 
Virginia. If this estimate be confined to the Hill District of 
Virginia these figures would be still more favorable. 

SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND CHURCHES. 

Public Free Schools have recently been established on a 
liberal scale, afibrding the means of education to the poorest 
and most humble. There are also a number of excellent 
private schools for males and females, and boarding schools of 
high character. 

The University of Virginia, Washington and Lee University, 
the Virginia Military Institute, Hampden Sydney College, and 
Roanoke College, are all within a radius of about sixty miles 
of Lynchburg. There are Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian, 
Baptist and Catholic Churches in the city, and also at conve- 
nient points throughout the country. 

BAKKs a:n^d BANKIKG. 

There are in Lynchburg two National Banks, two Savings 
Banks, and three private Banking Houses, having an aggregate 
of capital and deposits amounting to about $1,000,000, (£200,- 
000.) The current coins are dollars and cents. The dollar, 
(gold,) is equivalent to four shillings, the cent to a half-penny, 
(English,) there being one hundred cents to the dollar. The 
common currency in Virginia is paper money, issued by the 
National Government. The gold dollar is worth from 10 to 12 
per cent, more than paper money. 

The rate of interest on, money fixed by the State Oonstitu- 
tioLi is six per centum per annum, but it is allowed to make 



k 



written contracts at any rate not exceeding twelve per cent, 
per annum. In sales of real estate six per cent, is the rate of 
interest charged on the credit payments. 

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

The Lynchburg Agricultural and Mechanical Society has 
extensive buildings and grounds in the suburbs of the city, 
where the annual Fairs are held in the month of October. 
These Fairs attract large numbers of farmers and others from 
every quarter of the State, who bring their finest horses, cat- 
tle, hogs, sheep, fruits, and other farm products for exhibition. 

ACCOMMODATIOl^S FOR SETTLERS. 

There are a number of Hotels and Boarding Houses in Lynch- 
feurg, at which the cost of living varies from $40 to $50 (£8 to 
£10) a mouth at the Hotels, and from $20 to $30 (£4 to £6) a 
month at the boarding houses. A room and three good meals 
a day are provided. Families are taken on very fair terms at 
the hotels and boarding houses. By the day the charges 
range from $1.50 to $2.50, according to the style of accom- 
modations. 

At the livery stables horses or carriages may be hired at all 
times and in any number by the day or week. On the Rail- 
roads there are trains moving each way two or more times 
daily, so that but little time need be lost in examining the 
country along their lines. Boats, passenger and freight, pass 
up and down the Canal every day. The intersection at Lynch- 
burg of Canal and Railroads makes it cheaper and easier to 
visit every part of the State from this city than from any other 
point. 

WATER POWER. 

The James River is a rapid stream, averaging at Lynchburg 
about six hundred feet in width and four feet in depth. A 
dam above the city affords a water power of about twenty 
feet fall, extending for two miles on the south bank of the 
river. It is in contemplation to erect a dam across the river, 
which will increase the fall, and extend this water power to the 
north bank. The entire volume of the river may be made 
available. This water is owned by the city, and will be fur- 
nished for manufacturing purposes at the lowest possible 
charge. 

At many points on the river, both above and below the city, 
there are eligible sites for mills, furnaces, and factories of 
various kinds. 

There are also many other smaller streams, on both sides of 
the Blue Ridge Mountains, which i.ftbrd abundant water powler 
for mills and factories. 



TRADE a:ND manufactures. 

The wide extent of ricla back country, and tlie facilities for 
transportation, gave to this city a heavy commission and retail 
business, under the influence of which it was steadily advanc- 
ing in population and wealth up to the period of the late war. 
Situated in the midst of the finest tobacco-growing region in 
the world, its people early gave their attention to the manu- 
facture of this article, in which they obtained great celebrity, 
and it is to this that Lynchburg chiefly owes its commercial 
importance. There are about thirty-five tobacco factories in 
operation, giving employment to large numbers of men, 
women and boys. Its capital and energy have been expended 
almost exclusively upon this branch of industry. It was and 
continues to be the chief tobacco mart in the country, and 
prior to the war, was, in proportion to population, the wealthiest 
city in the United States. 

There are several foundries, flouring mills, machine shops, 
and other factories, but they are worked only to a lim- 
ited extent. Want of capital, and the high rate of interest 
at present are the chief obstacles to greater activity and pro- 
gress in business. The established bank rate of interest is 
one per centum a month. The disastrous consequences of the 
war have so crippled this whole community, that it will be 
some years before it reaches its former prosperity. We hope 
to increase and accelerate our progress by inviting the skill 
and capital of other countries to engage in the development 
of new sources of wealth, so highly prized in other commu- 
nities, and which have so long remained dormant in this. An 
examination of the map will show that as a point for the col- 
lection of raw material, and the distribution of manufactured 
articles, no better place than Lynchburg can be chosen. With 
the necessary capital, and skill to direct the redundant popu- 
lation of this city, suitable for employment in mills and fac- 
tories, we see no reason why Lynchburg should not attain as 
high a reputation for her fabrics of iron, cotton, wool, paper, 
glass, wood, &c., as she has reached in the manufacture of to- 
bacco. To such as may be attracted to this neglected field of 
enterprise, we promise a most cordial reception, and all the 
aid and support which we can give. Any person wishing to 
make a particular examination of the water power and facili- 
ties for manufacturing afforded by this city can obtain all the 
information they desire by applying, in person or by letter, to 
the City Engineer. 

MINERALS. 

Iron Ore. — Large and rich deposits of many varieties are 
found in the James River Valley, above and below this city, 



6 

and along- the lines of the Orange Alexandria and Manassas 
and the Atlantic Mississippi and Ohio Railroads, A few only 
of these have been explored, and such as have been worked 
have yielded satisfactory returns. The two varieties in greatest 
abundance arc Brown Hematite and Magnetic. The former 
yields by analysis 58 per cent. The iron made from these 
ores is of the most superior quality, and is extensively used in 
the manufacture of railroad car wheels, axles, &c. The mag- 
netic ore is of the best quality, in great abundance, and is 
more accessible to the principal markets than any other de- 
posits on the Atlantic seaboard. Specular ore, and other 
varieties are also found in this section, but the deposits have 
been only partially explored. 

Many of the most extensive deposits of these ores are im- 
mediately on the bank of the Canal, near to this city, and the 
ore can be delivered from them at very small cost. In view 
o-f the fine water power, facilities for transportation, cheap- 
ness of labour and of living, proximity to markets, and abun- 
dant supply of raw material, a more inviting iron producing 
region than this cannot be found. 

Coal. — There are extensive deposits of Bituminous Coal on 
the Canal, a short distance above Richmond, on the Atlantic 
Mississippi and Ohio Railroad, in Prince Edward and Cum- 
berland Counties, about fifty miles below Lynchburg; also 
on the same road about ninety miles above and west of Lynch- 
burg, in the county of Montgomery. All of these mines have 
been worked quite extensively and successfully. But it is to 
the immense deposits of Cannel and Bituminous Coal in the 
valleys of the Kanawha and New Rivers that this city is to 
look for a supply of cheap coal. The completion of the Ches- 
apeake and Ohio Railroad down the James River Valley will 
at once give Lynchburg and the entire Valley an unlimited 
supply of the best coal for manufacturing purposes. These 
coals should be delivered here at a cost of about three dollars 
(128.) per ton. There are also extensive tracts of forest lands 
along the line of the Canal, which will, for the present, supply 
cheap fuel for the manufacture of charcoal iron. 

Limestone. — Inexhaustible quarries are found along the Canal 
above and below this city, and on the line of the Railroads. 
Lime of the finest quality, as well as for agricultural purposes, 
is now manufactured from these quarries to a limited extent. 

Marble. — There are extensive quarries of several varieties in 
the vicinity of the city, on the railroads and canal. Some of 
these marbles are susceptible of a fine polish. Capital and 
skill might be employed with great profit in working them. 
The marble used here is brought from the North or from 
Europe. 



/ 



•s' 



Hydraulic Limestone. — The best Hydraulic Cement is made 
in large quantities from the deposits along the Canal and Rail- 
road above Lynchburg. 

Slate. — Extensive quarries have been opened and are now 
being worked by companies of Welshmen. The quarries are 
very near the Canal above the city, in Amherst County, and 
below in Buckingham County. The quality of these slates is 
equal to the best in the markets, and much of it is shipped 
to the l^orthern cities. 

Gypsum. — The Gypsum banks in Washington County show 
by boring a thickness of six hundred feet, and a quality supe- 
rior to the best Nova Scotia. These " banks " are only very 
partially developed, while there is a demand for a very large 
quantity. 

Gold. — " The Gold District " is about forty miles wide, and 
extends through several counties. It is intersected by the 
James Hiver some forty miles below this city. Mines in this 
district were worked by the Indians long before the settlement 
of the country, and have since, from time to time, been' suc- 
•cessfully worked on a small scale. The quartz, in the best 
mines, yields on an average nearly $80 (£16) to the ton. Hot 
long since |26 (£5) worth was taken from one day's sur- 
face washing, with the labour of three boys. It is believed 
that mines of great richness might be opened in many por- 
tions of the "gold district." ifearly two million dollars of 
gold, the product of these mines, have been deposited in the 
United States Mint. 

Besides the above, there are many other valuable minerals 
which exist in considerable quantities along the Canal and 
Railways leading into this city. Among the most important 
are Manganese, Iron Pyrites, Mica, Sulphate of Baryta, Plum- 
bago, Kaolin, Potter's Qlay, Fire Clay, Copper, Lead, Zinc, Salt, 
Granite, Grindstone, Sandstone and Silica. 

Specimens of these minerals may be seen in this city and 
Liverpool, England, at the offices of the Commissioners of Im- 
migration for this city. Any one acquainted with the geology 
of this State will see at a glance why the James River Valley 
presents the outcroppings of such an array of mineral deposits. 
This stream cuts at right angles the formation in which the 
minerals lie, from the head of tide-water to the base of 
the Alleghany Mountains. It may be asked why these 
mines, so extensive and valuable, have never been worked to 
any greater extent. The reason is evident. Prior to the late 
war the people of this State devoted their attention almost ex- 
clusively to the business of agriculture. The easy life of the 
wealthy and intelligent slave-owners did not incline them to 
such enterprises. S'inding enough to satisfy their wants on 



i 



8 

the Burface, they did not look below. The losses and changes 
resulting from the war have deprived them of the means of 
developing these great resources of their country, now that 
they feel the necessity. Any one who will make the necessary 
investigation will be satisfied that fortunes await the enter- 
prising miner and manufacturer in this field. However 
strange it may appear, it is true, that most of the lands upon 
which these mines are found can now be purchased for less- 
than their former agricultural value, with no extra charge on 
account of the minerals. 

MINERAL SPRINGS. 

As a source of health, pleasure and profit, they should not 
be overlooked. Scores of these summer resorts in the Pied- 
mont District, Blue Ridge and Alleghany Mountains, are ac- 
cessible in a few hours by rail from this city. Many of them 
are exceedingly beautiful and pleasant, and handsomely im- 
proved for the accommodation of from five hundred to a thous- 
and or more visitors. Some of the most attractive are the- 
White Sulphur, Salt Sulphur, Red Sulphur, Yellow Sul- 
phur, Blue Sulphur Springs, Sweet Springs, Alum Springs,, 
Alleghany Springs, Coyner's Springs, the Hot, Warm, and 
Healing Springs, etc. 

These watering places afford good markets for the surround- 
ing country during the summer season, and this city partici- 
pates largely in the trade derived from this source. These 
resorts are sustained chiefly by persons from the unhealthy 
cotton districts of the South, and from the Eastern cities and 
counties. 

To the tourist Virginia offers many and varied attractions.. 
Amongst the most noted natural curiosities in this vicinity are 
the Natural Bridge, in Rockbridge county, the Peaks of Otter, 
in Bedford, and the Falls of James River, where it breaks 
through the Blue Ridge Mountains. This last is one of the 
most picturesque and beautiful scenes in this country. 

TIMBER. 

The census reports show that one-half of the country tribu- 
tary to Lynchburg is in virgin forest. The most common 
woods are the several varieties of oak, poplar or satin wood^ 
chestnut, locust, hickory and pine. These are found every- 
where, and furnish inexhaustible supplies of valuable timber. 
Black walnut, cherry, maple, and other cabinet woods abound 
throughout the hill country. Besides the virgin forests, much 
of the country is covered with a dense growth of pine, chest- 
nut, poplar, locust, &c., which have sprung up spontaneously 
on lands once under cultivation, and afterwards suflTered to lie 
untilled. 



9 

LAWS AND mSTITUTIONS. 

Virginia was first settled exclusively by Scotch and English 
colonists, who brought with them the language, laws and re- 
ligion of England, and a loyal devotion to the mother country, 
intensified by their separation. The Common Law of Eng- 
land and the Statute Laws in force before the fourth year of 
the reign of James the First, are the laws of the land in Vir- 
ginia now, except so far as they have been modified by our 
own statutes, but these changes of the ancient Common Law 
have been less numerous and less radical in Virginia than in 
England. Slavery has repelled from Virginia the immigration 
which, while it has so won-derfully developed other sections of 
the country, has at the same time produced most striking 
changes in their social system. Even England herself has 
been more affected by outside influences than Virginia. 
Hence we find that Virginia, which a hundred and fifty years 
ago was identical in population, religion, laws and customs 
with Old England, has, during that period, undergone even 
fewer changes than the mother country herself. The Consti- 
tution adopted since the war provides that every head of a fam- 
ily shall be entitled to hold, exempt from execution or levy for 
debt, real and personal property to the value of two thousand 
dollars, (£400.) By a recent Act of the Legislature foreigners 
may hold real estate in Virginia without becoming citizens or 
taking an oath of allegiance to the United States. This is not 
the case in the Western States or Territories. 

TAXES ON REAL ESTATE. 

The taxes on country real estate are very moderate, being 
100 cents on the hundred dollars of value. In estimating the 
value of real estate for taxation, the common rule is to rate it 
at about two-thirds of its cash market value. One-fifth of the 
whole amount raised by taxation is for the support of free 
schools. 

LABOUR, WAGES, &C. 

Wages for farm labourers (negroes) range from $8 to $12 
(£1 lOs to £2 10s) a month, with board, (board for farm labor- 
ers in Virginia means a sufficient quantity of meat and Indian 
corn meal, costing from $3.50 to $4 a month, with a log hut 
to sleep and cook in) ; by the day they can be hired for 50 to 
75 cents (2s to 3s) and board. House servants in the country 
get from $4 to $8 a month, with board. In the cities and 
vicinity good domestic servants (females) receive from $6 to 
$12 a month, with board. 

Foreigners are advised, whenever practicable, to bring with 
them their house servants, as they may otherwise have diffi- 
culty in getting such as will give them satisfaction. 



i\ 



10 

GAME AND HUNTING. 

The forests, fields and streams all supply an abundance of 
game for the sportsman. The forests grow but little under- 
wood, and it is easy to travel through them on foot or on 
horseback. The squirrel, wild turkey and pheasant are abun- 
dant in the forests. The wild turkey is often found in large 
flocks, the male, when full grown, reaching from 12 lbs. up to 
20 lbs. weight. Partridges (quail) are very numerous, as also 
wood-cocks. Wild ducks of various kinds are plentiful on 
the rivers. 

Good deer hunting can be had in the Blue Ridge and Alle- 
ghany Mountains. Trout abound in most of the mountain 
streams, and in the large rivers there is excellent bait fishing 
for Southern chub, silver perch, pike, &c. 

Foxes, both red and gray, are found all over Virginia, and 
furnish excellent sport to those who have been accustomed "to 
ride to hounds." But they are not in such numbers as to be 
troublesome or destructive. 

TITLES TO REAL ESTATE. 

Prior to the war land seldom changed owners, except by 
inheritance. But few fine estates were ever put upon the 
market, unless for division. Hence it is that there are com- 
paratively few defective titles, and these are readily discovered. 
Nowhere in America are titles to land so readily traced and 
so generally perfect as in Virginia. A wise caution will, how- 
ever, always require a careful investigation to be made by a 
competent person familiar with the laws of the State. 

WHAT TO BRING TO VIRGINIA. 

It is often a perplexing question for even the best informed 
emigrant to decide what he had best carry with him to his 
new home. Settlers are advised that they can purchase in 
Lynchburg at very fair prices every article which may be re- 
quired for their necessities or comfort. Wearing apparel, and, 
indeed, all linen and woollen fabrics, are cheaper in England 
than here, and all such may, perhaps, be purchased there with 
advantage. But all other articles of manufacture, whether 
agricultural implements or furniture, &c., can be bought to 
good advantage in Virginia. 

CANALS AND RAILROADS. 

The James River and Kanawha Canal extends (at present) 
from tide-water at Richmond, two hundred miles through the 
centre of the State, to a point near the base of the Alleghany 



/' 



11 

Mountains. This Canal is the lihtural route for cheap and 
easy communication between the Western States and the At- 
lantic Ocean, and must, at an early period, become the great 
thoroughfare of the Continent. A thorough survey of the 
uncompleted portion of this Canal has been made by officers 
of the United States Engineer Department, and a full and fa- 
vorable report submitted to Congress. It is confidently be- 
lieved that the National Government will undertake the com- 
pletion and enlargement of the Canal, which will afibrd unin- 
terrupted water communication between the waters of the 
Mississippi and Missouri Rivers and their tributaries, and the 
Atlantic Ocean at Norfolk. This Canal will be free to the 
commerce of the whole country, except a small charge suffi- 
cient to keep the work in repair. 

Lynchburg is the first and only place where this water-line 
will intersect with the railroads from North to South, and from 
East to West, which will make it an important distributing 
point for a large district of country. A moment's reflection 
will satisty any one of the benefits to this section of the State 
from being traversed by this great Trans-Continental Water- 
Line, which, unlike those further North, will be open for nav- 
igation throughout the year, or with but a few days' interrup- 
tion occasionally in the month of January. 

Three great trunk lines of railway intersect at Lynchburg. 
L The Atlantic Mississippi and Ohio Railroad, with its 
Western connections, extends from the Atlantic Ocean at Nor- 
folk to the Mississippi River and the cities of the Southwest 
by one arm, and by another arm, (in process of construction,) 
through the State of Kentucky to the Ohio River and the cities 
of the Northwest. This road forms the natural Eastern ter- 
minus of the Southern Pacific Railroad. It passes through the 
tobacco, grain, and cattle producing districts of Virginia, and 
taps in the West a country of great extent and fertility. It 
also passes through the rich mineral districts of Piedmont and 
Southwest Virginia. This Road, in connection with the line 
of Ocean Steamers from Liverpool, England, to Norfolk, Vir- 
ginia, affords the cheapest, most pleasant, and quickest route 
from Europe to Virginia, as well as to all parts of the Western 
States and Territories. 

II. The Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, extending from 
the Chesapeake Bay and the city of Richmond to the Ohio 
River, connects at the latter point with the system of railroad 
lines of the West and Northwest. The Union Pacific Rail- 
road will, with this Road, (under one management,) constitute 
a continuous Railway Line from the Pacific to the Atlantic, 
by the shortest route and the easiest grades. A Tefereuce to 
the map shows that the shortest line which can be drawn from 



12 

Ornaha to the Atlantic coast touches at Norfolk. Following 
this line, we find that it passes through Cincinnati, and a few 
miles north of, but practically through, Lynchburg; another 
line, (and the shortest,) drawn from Kansas City to the Atlan- 
tic coast, passes directly through St. Louis, Louisville and 
Lynchburg. 

The completion of this road down the James River Valley 
to Richmond will make this not only the shortest line across 
the Continent, but its maoimum grade will not exceed thirty feet 
to the mile, and that in favor of the direction of the heavy 
tonnage. Passing through the vast Coal Fields of the Kana- 
wha Valley, it will furnish our manufacturers with an unlim- 
ited supply of the cheapest coal, of the best quality. 

IIL The Orange Alexandria and Manassas Railroad 
stretches across the State from the Port of Alexandria on the 
Northeast to the town of Danville, on the South, connecting 
at the former place with the roads leading to Washington City, 
Baltimore, and the cities of the North, and at the latter with 
the roads leading to New Orleans and the other cities of the 
South. The last link in this great Air Line Road between the 
cities of the Gulf of Mexico and the commercial capital of the 
United States (New York City) will be formed by the comple- 
tion (during the present year) of the Lynchburg and Danville 
extension of the Orange Alexandria and Manassas Road. 
w' The completion of this Road gives Lynchburg a direct con- 
nection, by the shortest possible line, with the railroad system 
of the South, and brings her nearer to the Cotton fields than 
other Virginia or Northern cities, as she is already nearer to 
the great markets for the manufactures of this staple. This 
road traverses in its whole extent the beautiful and salubrious 
Piedmont district of Virginia, rich in grains, grasses, fruits, 
tobacco, minerals and timber, and afifords easy and rapid com- 
munication with the cities of the North and South. 

AGRICULTURE, &C. 

The soil of the " Hill Country " of Virginia, (which em- 
braces that part most directly tributary to Lynchburg,) varies 
from light sandy loam to stilt', heavy clay. The nearer the 
soil approaches the latter the more highly is it esteemed, par- 
ticularly for mixed farming or grazing. The principal staple 
crops are wheat, Indian corn, (maize,) oats, hay and tobacco, 
but all the grains, grasees, fruits and vegetables of the temper- 
ate zone flourish here. The flour made from the w^heat grown 
in this section is considered the best in America, and brings 
the highest price in all the markets where it is known. It is 
the only flour which can be successfully shipped through the 
tropics. On good land, with proper tillage, from fifteen to 



13 

thirty bushels of wheat per acre may reasonably be expected. 

In the James River Valley the bottom lands will yield (with- 
out manuring) from 60 to 100 bushels of Indian corn per acre. 
On uplands of good quality 30 to 50 bushels is a good crop. 
The oat crop usually succeeds Indian corn, requires but slight 
preparation of the soil, grows luxuriantly, and yields (espe- 
cially on bottom or moist lands,) a good return to the husband- 
man. Tobacco requires soil of the best quality, or the land 
must be highly manured, to afibrd a paying crop, but when 
skilfully managed, under favorable circumstances, it returns a 
very large profit to the planter. Hay also yields an abund- 
ant crop. On good lands from IJ to 3 tons per acre is re- 
garded a good crop. It finds ready sale in this and other 
markets at from one dollar to one dollar and fifty cents per 
hundred pounds. The average price in this market of baled 
bay is about $1.20 per hundred pounds. 

The fruits of this part of Virginia are unsurpassed in qual- 
ity and variety. The apple ripens from June to JSTovember, 
and the later varieties are easily kept till the new crop can be 
used. This is the home of the "Albemarle Pippin " and the 
beautiful " Lady Apple," which are so highly esteemed at 
home and abroad. Besides these there are many other varie- 
ties of apples of excellent quality, and which yield abundant 
crops. Apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries, strawberries, 
grapes, &c., require no protection from the cold, either during 
winter or spring. 

The grape flourishes with a luxuriance not surpassed by the 
choicest vineyards of France or Germany. The Eastern 
slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains furnish many thousands 
of acres suited to the cultivation of fruits. It requires no 
underdraining, grapes do not mildew, and the most delicate 
fruits attain the highest perfection. Experiments have proved 
that a better wine can be produced on these mountain slopes 
than has yet been made in America. The Superintendent of 
" Garden and Grounds " connected with the United States 
Department of Agriculture, in his Annual Report to Congress 
for 1869, speaking of " the most healthy grape of the JSTorthern 
States," says : 

" Of course its quality is greatly improved by the length and geniality of 
the season of growth ; for example, those who are familiar with the fruit only 
as a production of Massachusetts would not recognize its flavour and vinous 
character as ripened in Virginia." The same " Report" in another pla,ce says, 
*'The mountain slopes and plateaus in Virginia and other Southern States must 
be looked upon as the great producing regions of this Continent for a certain 
class of fine wines, not excepting California and other favored sections of the 
Pacific coast. We must depend upon this section for the 'coming wine grape.' " 
Already have some enterprising persons (foreigners as well as natives,) made 
large sums by engaging in fruit culture on these mountain slopes. Here large 
boundaries, or small tracts of land may be bought for from |3 to #5 (8s to 20s) 
per acre, which is not more than the lowest price for non-agricultural lands in 
I^ew Zealand or on the desert plains of the far West. 



14 

Along the Eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains there is a broad belt 
ot land more secure from the biting frosts of Spring and Fall than are the 
orange groves of Florida. "The Green Belt," as it is called, begins about 
dOO feet, vertical height, above the valleys, and traverses the mountains in a 
perfectly horizontal line throughout their entire length, like a vast "-reen ribbon 
on a black ground. Its breadth is about 400 feet, (vertical heio-ht ) or Tvider 
according k) the degree of the angle of the mountain with tlie plane of the 
horizon. Tlus belt varies in its height above the valleys accordin.^- to the con- 
figuration of the country, independent of the height above the level of the sea 

This phenomenon is easily accounted for. "Frost is but crystalized dew' 
and can only form during clear, still nights, when the atmosphere is in repose' 
The atmosphere, when at rest, falls into a series of strata, one lyino- ahoya the 
other, the heaviest stratum becoming the base of those above it, and all take 
positions according to their weight and density, upon the principle of gravita- 
tion. Heat is the agent which produces this result. The heat is of two kinds 
both from the same source ; the primary one being the sun's rays direct and 
the other the heat reserved or retained by the earth. This heat is ever radiat- 
ing, and in clear, cold, etill nights it mou its upwards through the cold damp 
air, while the latter rushes down in a cold frost, and hence the lowest ca-ound 
m a valley is ever spbject to the hardest frost. The warm, dry and li<vht cur- 
rent keeps mounting upwards until it reaches a stratum of atmosphere too thin 
and light to support it, when it consequently falls back and fonns its warm 
dry genial stratum upon the top of the lower or frost stratum, and hence in 
cold, frosty nights is produced the phenomenon of the ' Vernal Zone ' " 

Vegetation of all kinds within the limits of this "Zone" is untouched by 
frost, and such is its protective influence, that the most tender fruits and \e^- 
etables never fail to produce abundant crops. The land in this "belt " is easily 
cultivated, having a deep rich surface soil of vegetable mould, with a sub-soil 
of granitic formation. This soil contains a la-ge percentage of lime and potash 
and is remarkably fertile. This is the natural fruit and wine district of the Atl 
lantic States. 

The ' ' Hill Lauds " are not excelled by any other part of Virginia, Kentucky, 
or the West as a grazing country. Here are "blue grass " lands, watered by 
plentiful springs and streams of cool soft water, where cattle can feed the 
whole year round, and where neither hostile Indians nor wild beasts exist to 
disturb or destroy them. 

Mr. J. R. Dodge, of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, after enumerating 
the most favored grass regions in the Eastern and Northern States, the Missi£ 
sippi Valley, and the eastern and western slopes of the Rocky Mountams 
makes the folloAving comparison : "But there is one other section, easy of ac- 
cess and superior in the quality of its grasses to any heretofore mentioned, with 
a climate mild and equable, in which the very finest and best samples of wool 
in the United States have been grown." He then directs attention to this sec- 
tion, and saj^s it is "the chosen habitat of the blue grass and white clover 
whose valleys and slopes and summits are alike fresh with verdure. Scarcely 
less known to the country at large than the fastnesses of the Rocky Mountains 
the lands but little higher in price, this region should produce large quantities 
of the finest and best merino wool in tlie United States, and the production of 
mutton, in view of proximity to markets and abundance and quality of sub- 
sistence supplies, could certainly be undertaken with equal advantage." 

PRICES OF LAND. 

The prices of lands in Virginia are more influenced by local causes than by 
their intrinsic value. This is a constant source of perplexity to the stranger 
and often results in serious loss to the purcliaser who is not well advised. The 
lands in the counties contiguous to Lyncliburg are, all things considered 
cheaper than those of equal value in any other part of the State. 

In Southwest Virginia and the country north of the Valley, where few slaves 
were held, and the proportion of arable land is small, there is but little if any 
land of the best quality on the market, except at full prices, generallv an ad- 
vance on old prices. Prices range from !|40 to fSO per acre, down to almost 
nothing for the rough mountain ridges. 



15 

In the Valley counties north of and includmg Augusta, lands have generally 
advanced smce the war, and are held at high prices. In Rockbridge, Bote- 
tourt, and part of Eoanoke, with as good soil, equal improvements, and greater 
natural advantages, lands have declined, so that they may now be bought for 
25 per cent, less than in any part of the Valley between Rockbridge and the 
Potomac River. Prices for good lands range from $30 to $50 (£6 to £10) per 
acre. 

In the upper Piedmont counties the prices are even more variable. In Albe- 
marle and north of it good agricultural lands are sold at from $30 to $60 (£S 
to £12) per acre. In the coimties of Nelson, Amherst, Campbell, Bedford and 
Appomattox, lands of the best quality, well situated, and accessible to mar- 
kets, are held at from $10 to $30 (£2 to £6) per acre, while there are thousands 
of acres of the best grazing and fruit lands on the mountain slopes to be bought 
for from $2 to $5 an acre. Under the influence of the increasing English im- 
migration to this part of Virginia, these lands show a tendency to advance in 
price. 

RAILROAD LANDS. 

The Orange Alexandria and Manassas Railroad Company is the owner of 
several large boundaries of agricultural, mineral and timber lands, within five 
miles of its line, which are offered to actual settlers on the most accommodat- 
ing terms. These lands (many thousands of acres,) are offered by the Com- 
pany for sale in quantities varying from fifty to two hundred acres, at an aver- 
age price not exceeding fifteen dollars per acre, on a credit of ten years, only 
requiring a cash payment of ten per cent. , and the residue to be paid in annual 
instalments after the first year, and bearing 6 per cent, interest. Some of these 
lands have long been cleared of forest, and are now under cultivation. Many 
of the tracts have comfortable dwelling houses, barns, stables, and other neces- 
sary farm buildings, and most of them are enclosed with good fences. There 
are also established roads leading from every part of the lands to the most con- 
venient stations on the Railroad. To the industrious settler, with moderate 
means, these lands offer advantages of soil, climate, and proximity to the mar- 
kets of the seaboard which he will fail to find in any of the new States or Ter- 
ritories of the far West. These lands are not held for speculation, and will in 
no case be sold to other than actual settlers. Those desiring to settle in colon- 
ies will find these lands admirably suited to their purposes, and every facility 
will be afforded for examining them. 

THE JAMES RIVER VALLEY. 

From the discovery of the country to the present day this beautiful Valley 
has been universally regarded as the best portion of Virginia. The James 
River traverses the State from the Alleghany Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, 
intersecting the mountain, valley, piedmont and tide-water districts, thus af- 
fording within its limits every advantage of climate, soil and production to be 
found in the State. The scenery along the river, particularly in the hill dis- 
trict, is unsurpassed in variety and beavjty. That section which is included in 
the Tide- Water and lower Piedmont districts has a hotter climate and inferior 
water to the upper parts of the Valley, and is also, in common with all the 
best portions of those districts, infected with bilious and intermittent fevers. 
The cool, bracing atmosphere in the vicinity of the mountains is a complete 
protection against every form of malarial disease, and invigorating to the most 
delicate constitution. It is this portion of the Valley that now possesses so 
many charms for the new settler. Here the sturdy farmer in pursuit of gain, 
the lover of nature and field sports, the man of ample means and cultivated 
taste, may alike find the highest enjoyment and prosperity. Nature has been 
so lavish in her gifts to this Valley, and it has been so easy to obtain the com- 
forts and luxuries of life, that the rich stores of woods and minerals have 
scarcely been touched. As there were large numbers of slaves in this Valley^ 
the losses by emancipation were very great, and the lands have suffered a cor- 
responding decline. Estates which have been held by the same families from 
the days of the Colonists are now offered for sale at very reduced prices. Some 
of these are among the most valuable and attractive in the State, with fine old 
mansions crowning the heights above the River. The bottom lands, though 



i 



16 

ciUtivated for two centuries, are yet equal to any in the world, the rich alluvial 
soil being inexhaustible. Originally settled by English and Scotch, the descen- 
dants of whom are in many cases still in possession, this Valley is again attract- 
ing many of those who are now seeking homes in our midst. 

CONCLUSION. 

While the object of this publication is specially designed to set forth the ad- 
vantages of Lynchburg and tributary country, it is by no means intended to 
depreciate any other section of our State. To make even a slight reference to 
the resources of the whole State would require a volume of much larger dimen- 
sions than this. Indeed, no attempt has been made to do more than glance at 
the wonderful resources of this portion of Virginia. Further information on 
any of the subjects here discussed may be obtained by applying, in person or 
by letter, to either of the Commissioners of Immigration for this city, whose ad- 
dresses are given below. There is room in Mrginia for many thousands more, 
of farmers, artisans, &c., and it is believed that intelligent labour and enter- 
prise will meet with a richer reward here than anywhere else in America. 
Speaking of the undeveloped wealth of Virginia, Commodore Mathew F. 
Maury, than whom no one is better acquainted with its resources, uses the fol- 
lowing language : "The more I search the good old State, the more she re- 
minds me of tlie magic sheaf of wheat, which, the more it was thrashed, the 
more it yielded ; for the more I study her mountains and valleys, her waters, 
climates and soils, the more I am impressed and astonished at the variety, 
abundance and value of her tundeveloped treasures ; and the vastness of the 
wealth that lies dormant within her borders, waiting only for capital and labour 
to develop and utilize, dazzles the imagination." 

THOS. L. WALKER, M. D., 

Chairman^ 
Address 

WILLIAM HUME, 

20 Mellor's Buildings, 
Exchange Street, East, Liverpool, England, 

Or W. B. ROBERTSON,. 

Lynchburg, Virginia,, tl.. S*. 



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J'rom aedialsiirvej^ byoitler of tJie 
n , , ,. 1828 & 1859 

Oorrcctea an,, R^ei^ed by J. T. Lloyd to m2,from Surveys ..acle hy Cupt. W. Angela Poroell, 
of the U. S. Topoiiraphicul Eiujineers. 



'•^.^ .>. ,^ Published by wynkoop & H^LLE^^BECK, 'Po. 113 tocton street, mew york, 









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TIIK rilVSU.WI. ANIi rl.tMAlIc lUFFKUKNCKs nl. 
Tin-, TllRKK llltANl) DIVISIONS OV ■UIV. STATU: 

llDE-WTATEn, PIDDMONT. AHD OR1)a.T VALLBT " 

llu JVjBii'.""'- WiWn.l.'xWo.l. l.-m II 
liao-wnWr. A llii« dr.iwii "cni-" H" -"' 
lticlimoi"l,«»a I'mlxrickulmrg, ^^ 1"' '^ " ' 
of llio Ai'liomnttoi, thu .lamoi. "iil l.Ji'| 
,.iV,uo.t ofilvi" «"»"'"■<• " " 1»«'>'"»'^"' >;.■ ' - - •■ ■■••"""• 

Intitii' ". tln'n\>'* I'' ■ ■ 1., ..!.,., •».,,.,.;„... ^. .1 







ill!!, | l!lHilii" i l l .1 i ii u ii iflWIMnMln 



n.i-M...."' J''-*"i '■■■""■'^ '"'"" 

r Mt section more liillv but not often loo l)ro!:cii I 
2sT cuUinrtioo. Tho primordinl formation of rooks bogi 

f "l Iter As wc advatico some aistoncc abovB tldc-wat-.r. 
head of'""- • f .^j „„s„il f,nn«l by Ihoir disintos- 

"° "'t :" A"^'«'i- ^''"^ '"' c!.aract.rof„>o strata, i,riohcr 
' h tho momi-aios. There is a belt of laud ,;t t!,c base 

rfther'ntains which is very ,,r„ductivc. The hap,.)- combination 
ff c'emcn., fon-ad ra tho rock* of this region produces a supcnor 
aid toblo soil,containb,s, i. f^ir proportions, aluanoa, sde., 
anu uu' , .1 ^ f,.-tili7m«- miiiem s. Few scotur-s mo so 

pcash, .i,n=^ »°*.°*^;/;r^.': r,;,erg„sh ont in every direction, 
^^'rAtiri^ppiic'li^^^O, rnnnini water. Ya.nablo .nine.^.. 
°, ,1 ;'n tWsdistrict, and extensive deposits oF l.mcstone. It. 
Sate i"a 1 »Ubv and del.gbtfu. a, any in the w.r.d. I.s Cev. 
"„d thorough drainage, and its proxinnty 1o h.^h and cnsely 
lion iiiiu i-u o Hiinimcr climnte cool anfl nlyasaiit, 

„.hile the mountains altbrd protection aganist t e 

"'■^:tr;;;r.s::'xc;;:?;;::gb.;vceno.oB,. 

:L:„Ts'thro:gl. the state, a distant, of about tbree hundred ,u:les 
•iJll, from forty to seventy inilos, a ul in some places 
■ fntwoorniorj vallcvs. By geologists it is 
, ' u"l .'Alunlln^ to the Silurian formation, which lies next in 
':t^:::t%^ry-. t„c roc^, whicheuterniost largely into 
orucr »o I i;„„,_,6. j-vcral varieties ol slati.', sand 

,it etnictnre bcinji tie limosiones, o.n,iui 

Its struciurc utu „ diaintcration, these rooks 

ijjlomcrfltcs. 13y t.iLir aisiniconuiu , 
il„ „lv„ .oils of coo.) mnlilv. Although inaiiv bcaiitilul 
generally gi>o sods o g, 1 , ;„„ ,„„j, ,,,„ i-c^iicntly 

' flow .b-ough he ^ ;,;;>,. •-,^;:;™^„„,, ,„„„„,. g:!„„™,iy 

deficient 11 running • . ■n,,. „„„iiier i- cool and l.WaMllt, 

copimia, not be-.ng very numerous, i . »" 
but tbe vTOiter climate is cold and damp 




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